This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Poisonous ingredients include:

Hydroquinones

Quinones

Sodium thiosulfate

Sodium sulfite/bisulfite

Boric acid

Photographic fixative can also break down (decompose) to form sulfur dioxide gas.

Before Calling Emergency

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

Poison Help hotline

For a POISON EMERGENCY call:1-800-222-1222ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATESThis national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. This ...

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood and urine tests will be done. The person may receive:

Activated charcoal, so that the poison that remains does not get absorbed into the stomach and digestive tract.

Airway and breathing support, including oxygen. In extreme cases, a tube may be passed through the mouth into the lungs to prevent aspiration.

Chest x-ray.

ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing).

Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and stomach.

Fluids through a vein (by IV).

Laxatives to move the poison quickly through the body.

Medicines to treat symptoms.

Tube through the mouth into the stomach (rare) to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage).

Gastric lavage

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on how much of the poison was swallowed and how quickly the person received medical help. Swallowing these products can cause severe effects in many parts of the body. The faster treatment is received, the greater the chance of recovery.

Careers

When you choose CommunityCare as your employer, you join a staff of highly motivated individuals who make CommunityCare Oklahoma's best choice for healthcare.

CommunityCare is just as dedicated to our employees as we are to our customers and our business. We make it a priority to provide our staff with all the tools necessary to have a long, fruitful career with our company.